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Tori to make Beeline across Britain

Land's End to John O’Groats has been done time and time again but never in a straight line – until now.

At 25 she was the youngest British woman and the first Welsh woman to climb Everest. Seven years on 32-year-old Tori James, who grew up on a Clarbeston Road farm, will join four adventurers set to be the first people ever to travel the iconic route in a straight line.

Setting off today, May 18, the Beeline Britain charity challenge will see Tori spend 100 hours in a kayak, 34 hours on a bike and more than 12 hours on foot across some challenging terrain. The team is raising money for BLESMA, a charity for limbless servicemen and women and their families.

In preparation Tori, who now lives in Cardiff, has already kayaked for 24-hours near the Lake District.

“Everybody knows the Land’s End to John O’Groats journey, but this is the first time anyone has ever done it in a straight line which is going to make a massive difference to how difficult it will be,” she said.

“I’m certainly not underestimating the challenge that we’ve set ourselves. The most valuable thing I took from climbing Everest is self-belief, determination and endurance.

“Looking after your body over a long period of time and looking after our team mates will be crucial to Beeline Britain’s success. Personally, I’m least looking forward to all those hours in a kayak.”

On one leg of the journey Tori, who had her first taste of real adventure in Switzerland with the 4th Haverfordwest Girl Guides, will spend 36-hours in a kayak.

“Being stuck in that tiny boat for that long will be tough, and one of the biggest challenges for me will be the sleep deprivation,” she added.

“I know at some point my eyes are going to begin to shut, and that’s not going to be so great when we’re in a tiny boat on the windy seas.

“The endurance aspect will be potentially more challenging than Everest. There the longest day is the summit day which was 15 hours for me.”

The 1,100km challenge is expected to take more than two weeks, but whatever happens Tori has to be back to be a bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding on June 21. Follow Tori’s journey at www.beelinebritain.com. To donate text Line59 and £3 to 70070.